Freakonomics Radio

Parag Pathak, an MIT economics professor, sheds light on the challenging decisions involved in ventilator allocation during crises. Alongside Ezekiel Emanuel, a bioethicist and architect of Obamacare, they explore the moral complexities of prioritizing healthcare workers over patients. Dr. Meilan Han, a pulmonary expert, adds depth by discussing how ventilators function and the biases inherent in traditional allocation methods. They advocate for a more equitable framework amidst the ongoing dilemmas posed by limited resources, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jason Lusk, an agricultural economist at Purdue University, and Doug Baker from the Food Marketing Institute dive into the upheaval in the food supply system caused by COVID-19. They discuss the surge in demand for locally sourced meats and the challenges small farms faced. Anecdotes highlight the pandemic's impact on grocery shopping behaviors, with shifts to online shopping and changes in purchasing patterns from dining out to stocking up. The conversation also touches on the vulnerabilities in the food supply chain and the urgent issue of food insecurity.

In this engaging discussion, Gary Cohn, former head of Trump’s National Economic Council, and Christina Romer, economist and former CEA chair under Obama, dive into the implications of the $2 trillion aid package. They explore its effectiveness amidst the pandemic, the balance between immediate relief and long-term economic stability, and the complexity of funding allocations. Austin Goolsbee and Glenn Hubbard contribute insights on the CARES Act and its challenges. The conversation highlights the urgency for fiscal responsibility while addressing public health concerns and community impacts.

Ed Glazer, a Harvard economist, and Angela Duckworth, a psychology professor renowned for her work on grit, dive into the implications of COVID-19 on urban life and personal relationships. They discuss how the pandemic highlights urban centers as both innovation hubs and hotspots for contagion. The conversation shifts to the emotional toll of lockdowns on marriages, where increased familiarity can lead to contempt. Strategies for effective communication and community support are also explored, showcasing the importance of local connections during challenging times.

Nicholas Bloom, a Stanford economist, discusses the sweeping economic changes due to the pandemic. Toby Moskowitz, a Yale expert in finance, sheds light on the volatile stock market and unexpected industry shifts. Marshall Burke, also from Stanford, highlights how COVID-19 impacts the environment, from air quality to social behavior. They explore the surge in remote work productivity, the future of education, and the balance between social interaction and isolation, revealing both challenges and potential silver linings in this tumultuous time.

Rebecca Diamond, a Stanford economist focused on rent control effects, joins Ed Glaeser, a Harvard expert in city economics, to dissect the complexities of rent control. They argue that while rent control seems beneficial for some renters, it actually leads to artificially high rents and discourages new construction. The duo analyzes the political landscape surrounding these policies and explores the severe housing shortages it creates in cities like Stockholm, revealing a black market for housing as a direct consequence.

In this discussion, Jeffrey Sachs, a Columbia University professor and U.N. advisor, teams up with James Robinson, an economist from the University of Chicago and co-author of influential books on nations and development. They unpack the evolving perceptions of socialism in America, particularly among millennials. The conversation includes a deep dive into Venezuela's crises versus Norway's successful model, emphasizing the role of institutions in economic outcomes. They challenge misconceptions and explore the political ramifications of these ideologies on equity and welfare.

Eric Kleinenberg, a sociology professor at NYU known for his research on social connections, dives into the nuances of the so-called 'loneliness epidemic.' He discusses the complexities of survey data, revealing how misinterpretations can skew our understanding of loneliness. Kleinenberg compares the health risks of loneliness to smoking and highlights its serious implications for public health. He also explores innovative solutions from the UK, emphasizing the universal nature of loneliness and the importance of community engagement in combating it.

Ajit Pai, former Chairman of the FCC, known for his controversial views on net neutrality, delves into the complexities of modern telecommunications. He defends his regulatory rollbacks and discusses the implications for consumer protection. Pai highlights the alarming rise of robocalls, the FCC's initiatives to combat them, and the potential of 5G technology. He also reflects on the shifting government role in the sector and the competition with global powers like China, while addressing cybersecurity issues. His insights reveal the intersection of regulation and innovation in a rapidly changing landscape.

Dana Susskind, a physician scientist specializing in cochlear implants, John List, an economist focused on field experiments, and Patty Chamberlain, a science director in child welfare, tackle why innovative solutions often fail to scale in education and health. They discuss the 'magic sauce' for effective real-world application and the challenges of translating research into policy. The trio emphasizes improving parent-child interactions in early childhood and the necessity of rigorous implementation science in policymaking to enhance outcomes for disadvantaged communities.